If you follow a real-food approach to eating, you may wonder whether protein powder still has a place in your diet.
The Food Standards Agency notes that all whey protein powders are classified as NOVA Group 4 because whey is made in a way that cannot be replicated in a home kitchen. This means that no whey protein is UPF-free. Whether you choose to use whey protein is therefore a personal decision, but you may feel that a minimal-ingredient protein still fits your real-food approach.
The Pragmatic Real-Food Perspective
People who follow a real-food diet don’t all take the exact same approach. Some might choose to avoid protein powders altogether, while others may include them as a convenient source of protein when whole-food options aren’t practical.
If you decide to use a protein powder, you may prefer one with a shorter ingredients list that aligns more closely with your wider approach to food.
A minimal-ingredient whey protein powder will still have a NOVA Group 4 classification, but it may better reflect your preference for simpler products with fewer formulated ingredients.
Distinguishing Various Ultra-Processed Options
The NOVA framework classifies foods according to the nature and extent of industrial processing, rather than the number of ingredients they contain.
That means a single-ingredient whey protein concentrate and a protein powder containing emulsifiers, gums, artificial sweeteners and flavourings are both classified as Group 4.
For some people, that’s where reading the ingredients list becomes important. Looking at both the classification and the formulation provides a more complete picture of the product. At The Organic Protein Co., our protein powders do not contain any artificial additives, allowing them to serve a functional nutritional purpose without the additives most associated with UPF concerns.
Find out more in our full guide to protein powders, ultra-processed foods, and NOVA classification.
Maintaining Results Without Compromising Values
Protein powder is a supplement, not a replacement for a balanced diet. If your diet is already built around foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and minimally processed dairy products, choosing a minimal-ingredient protein powder may be one way of staying consistent.
Ultimately, the best choice is the protein that fits both your nutritional needs and your own approach to eating. At The Organic Protein Co., we’re transparent about the fact that all whey protein is NOVA Group 4. Where we differ is in how we make our whey protein powders. Every one is cold-filtered and free from the additives most associated with UPF concerns, including gums, emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners.
If you’re looking for a protein powder that fits a diet based on real foods, check out our range of whey protein powders here.